Pair of Chinese Export Famille Rose Medallion Dinner Plates, c. 1860

A fine pair of Rose Medallion pattern Chinese export plates. The quality, unmarked base and fine gilt highlights date these to around 1860. On each, opposing cartouches show family scenes while the remaining two cartouches display birds, flowers and butterflies. In between is a profusion of chrysanthemums, melons and butterflies around a central medallion of a bird on a rock. The whole is delicately coloured in famille rose over-glaze enamels of pink, green and blue against a background of gold.

The enamels and gilding is still in excellent condition with almost no sign of wear. The plates have no damage. The base has kiln grit, typical of Chinese porcelain of the period.